Fundamentals of Natural Lifemanship®
Where science meets the heart of connection.
Fundamentals
Registration is now open
A Deeper Practice Begins Here
At Natural Lifemanship, helping people and horses form connected and trusting relationships to overcome toxic stress and trauma isn’t just what we do—it’s who we are.
The Fundamentals of Natural Lifemanship is an immersive training designed for healing professionals who are ready to deepen their practice, expand their impact, and embrace a powerful, experiential approach to transformation.
Fundamentals of NL
is for you if:
- You want a proven, relationship-based approach to healing trauma.
- You’re curious how horse-human relationships foster deep growth.
- You crave personal and professional evolution from wherever you are.
- You need a rich refresher on Natural Lifemanship’s core principles.
The Fundamentals is not just a training, it will transform your life – how you view yourself, your relationships and how you connect with yourself and other beings in a positive and grounding way.
Lisa Lammerschmidt, Cork, Ireland
Rooted in Trauma-Informed Principles, Designed for Deep Transformation
For over 15 years, the Natural Lifemanship Institute has been leading the way in training and certifying professionals in Trauma Informed Equine Assisted Services. We’ve equipped mental health providers, life coaches, equine professionals, and other healing practitioners to integrate horses into their work in meaningful, life-changing ways.
Now, you can access the proven process we’ve refined over more than a decade—a process that fosters deep, authentic connection through our unique relationship-based principles. Learn how to apply these principles in your own life and practice, and experience the profound impact they can make.
Details
What:
Fundamentals of Natural Lifemanship
When:
September 8 – November 7, 2025
Where:
Online, structured, semi self-paced course – and now a LIVE virtual option as well!
How Do Vouchers work?
If you’ve been holding onto an NL voucher, now is the time to put it to use.
Here’s how to redeem it:
Select the upcoming Fundamentals session that works best for you.
Enter your voucher code at checkout.
Complete your registration to secure your spot.
After this session, vouchers will no longer be valid for Fundamentals.
What Fundamentals Participants are Saying
NEW! LIVE Learning Option
Our pre-recorded, on-demand training gives you the flexibility to learn anytime, anywhere—but we know some people learn best with real-time interaction and direct access to the experts.
For the first time ever in the 8-week Fundamentals of NL training, you have the option to join Bettina Shultz-Jobe, Tim Jobe, Kate Naylor, and Tanner Jobe LIVE—where you’ll deepen your understanding, ask questions as they arise, and learn directly from the people who created this work.
With the LIVE add-on, you’ll:
- Meet regularly in real time with our principal instructors via Zoom
- Ask questions and get instant, personalized feedback
- Learn from real-world stories, examples, and discussions you won’t find anywhere else
- Connect with peers who are walking the same path, sharing breakthroughs as they happen
This is online learning that feels personal, interactive, and deeply connected, without having to travel.
Online training doesn’t mean cutting corners.
Here’s how we deliver results.
Video Lessons
Whether you choose the LIVE experience or opt for pre-recorded videos, both include 8 weekly modules with reading assignments and quizzes. The on-demand option provides pre-recorded video lessons, while the LIVE option replaces those videos with real-time sessions led by our team. If you choose the LIVE add-on, you’ll still get access to the on-demand videos as bonus content.
1:1 Feedback
You’ll receive personalized feedback from our instructors to better discover your patterns and behaviors, and test your skills.
Skill Building & Embodiment
Build critical skills as you embody compelling material focused on trauma, brain development, attachment, ethics, horsemanship, and more.
Community
Deepen your understanding and build stronger relationships among participants through your training forum and small group forum. With the LIVE add-on, you’ll also meet weekly with other live participants and our instructors for rich conversations and to deepen your learning.
Office Hours
Throughout the 8 week training, you’ll have multiple opportunities to attend office hours and ask instructors questions.
Hands-On Experience
Practice what you’ve learned either at home or in person; submit videos for personalized feedback. Add on our optional in-person practicum for guided practice with our team of trainers.
No Travel Required
With our virtual teaching experience, you avoid the expense and time it takes to travel to an in-person training, unless you choose to attend our in-person Fundamentals Practicum.
Get Certification Ready
Completing this training* makes you Natural Lifemanship Level 1 Trained and fulfills one of the requirements of certification, should you choose to pursue it.
*Participating in the Foundations training option requires a Fundamentals Practicum to complete Level 1 training. All other options satisfy the requirements without a practicum.
Choose Your Path
Each option builds a strong foundation in the Fundamentals of NL. The difference lies in how quickly you want to progress toward certification and how much live interaction you want.
Jumpstart with the LIVE Experience: Your Fastest Track to Mastery
If you want the richest, most transformative way to learn the Fundamentals, choose the Jumpstart + LIVE option when you register.
This is where the work comes alive. You’ll meet regularly in real time over Zoom with our principal instructors, who bring decades of experience to each session. You can ask questions the moment they arise, receive immediate, tailored feedback, and learn alongside a vibrant community of peers.
LIVE training is focused on integration. You’ll witness concepts in action, practice new skills in the moment, and deepen your confidence as a practitioner. The conversations, shared insights, and connection you build in these sessions will stay with you long after the course ends.
Other options for learning:
Jumpstart: you’ll leave with the training, tools, and recognition to move confidently toward certification — all while saving time, money, and the guesswork of what comes next.
Core: perfect for those with access to horses who want to be recognized as NL Trained Level 1 and move a step closer to certification.
Foundations: Perfect if you’re new to Natural Lifemanship or returning for a refresher.
Choosing Jumpstart + LIVE ensures you get the very best we offer. It’s the ultimate accelerator for your growth, your practice, and your impact.
Jumpstart
Your Accelerated Path Toward Certification
$1,349 (Will be $1,499 starting January 1, 2026)
save $176 when you lock in the Jumpstart Bundle now before the January 2026 increase.
Jumpstart includes everything in Foundations and Core, plus additional elements to set you firmly on the path to certification. You’ll complete the Fundamentals of NL training, receive a personal consultation on two video submissions via Zoom, and earn your NL Trained Level 1 Badge for marketing materials and our practitioner listing.
You’ll also get one personalized coaching call at no additional cost (a $175 value). On this call, you can discuss anything you need to move forward with your dreams: business questions (insurance, business structure, how to get clients), certification and scope-of-practice questions, or even more personal topics like your own attachment history or style. This is your time to use however you see fit.
Jumpstart also includes your first annual certification fee (valued at $375), which comes with one year of NL membership benefits, a practitioner listing on our website so clients can find you, and the CE hours needed to maintain your certification.
If you purchased each item in this bundle separately, you’d spend $1,525. Enroll now and get it all for just $1,349 — saving $176 and securing your head start on certification.
Jumpstart includes everything in Foundations and Core:
- 30+ hours of video lessons and reading assignments
- Training office hours for live Q&A and mentorship
- Access to our private training forum for peer connection and discussion
- The Fundamentals Manual (PDF download)
- 35.5 CE credits
- Personal consultation on two video submissions via Zoom
- NL Trained Level 1 Badge to use in marketing materials and our practitioner listing
PLUS, you’ll get:
- One Personalized Coaching call at no additional cost (valued at $175)
AND you’ll complete key certification requirements:
- Fundamentals of NL Training
- Your first annual certification fee (valued at $375) which includes:
- One year of NL membership benefits
- Practitioner listing on our website so clients can find you
- CE hours needed to maintain your certification
BEST VALUE!! Choose Jumpstart + LIVE for an additional $999 to join real-time sessions with our principal instructors and get feedback as you learn. Plus, the LIVE add on gives you an additional 5 CE credits (total of 40.5 for Jumpstart + LIVE).
REGISTER FOR JUMPSTART
NOTE: For the full cost and commitment to complete your certification, please visit Natural Lifemanship Certification Details. Jumpstart gives you a solid foundation, but there are additional requirements to complete the full process.
Core
Expand Your Journey
$975
Core blends structured, self-paced study with live, interactive feedback to help you refine your skills and deepen your understanding of NL principles in real time. You’ll complete 30+ hours of video lessons and reading assignments, join training office hours for real-time Q&A and support, and participate in our private training forum for collaboration. The downloadable Fundamentals Manual is included, along with 35.5 CE credits.
As part of Core, you’ll now receive two live Zoom calls with your instructor for personalized feedback on your video submissions. This replaces the screencast feedback we previously provided at the Core level—so instead of static recordings, you’ll get real-time, interactive guidance. Completing Core earns you the NL Trained Level 1 Badge, which you can use in your marketing materials to show your training achievement.
Core is ideal for those with access to horses who want to be recognized as NL Trained Level 1 and move a step closer to certification.
Core includes:
- 30+ hours of video lessons and reading assignments
- Training office hours for real-time Q&A and support
- Access to our private training forum for connection and collaboration
- The Fundamentals Manual (PDF download)
- 35.5 CE credits
- Two live Zoom calls with your instructor for personalized feedback on your video submissions (replacing screencast feedback)
- NL Trained Level 1 Badge to use in marketing materials
Foundations
Your Deep Introduction or Refresher
$499 (Will be $675 starting January 1, 2026) save $176 when you register for Foundations now before the January 2026 increase.
Foundations offers a solid grounding in the principles and practices of Natural Lifemanship, making it ideal if you’re new to NL or returning for a refresher. You’ll complete 30+ hours of video lessons and reading assignments, join training office hours for live Q&A and support, and connect with peers through our private training forum for discussion. The downloadable Fundamentals Manual is included, along with 35.5 CE credits.
This option provides flexibility to add the Fundamentals Practicum later if you want an in-person experience or to apply your training toward certification.
INCLUDES:
- 30+ hours of video lessons and reading assignments
- Training office hours for live Q&A and support
- Access to our private training forum for connection and discussion
- The Fundamentals Manual (PDF download)
- 35.5 CE credits
Which option should I pick?
Option 1 >> BEST VALUE!
LIVE Training Add-On
If you’re ready for the richest, most interactive learning experience we offer, choose the LIVE version of Fundamentals.
The LIVE option includes everything in Jumpstart, but it replaces pre-recorded videos with real-time sessions led by our team. If you choose the LIVE add-on, you’ll still get access to the pre-recorded videos from Jumpstart as bonus content.
Bi-weekly, you’ll meet face-to-face on Zoom with some of the best and most seasoned practitioners who have spent decades in the field. This is your chance to:
- Hear stories and case examples they’ve never shared publicly
- Watch them break down complex concepts and situations into clear, actionable steps
- Ask your toughest questions and get personalized, in-the-moment feedback
- Learn alongside a small group of peers who will challenge, inspire, and support you
These sessions are dynamic, interactive conversations where principles come alive through real stories, spontaneous teaching moments, and the deep connection that only happens when we learn together.
If you want to accelerate your skills, deepen your confidence, and walk away with insights you can’t get from videos alone—this is the way.
Option 2 >> Certification Jumpstart Bundle
If certification is in your sights, this is your fastest and most cost-effective starting point. The Jumpstart Bundle kickstarts your certification process and includes:
- Your first annual certification fee (includes NL membership benefits for one year)
- The option to add a practitioner listing on our website so clients can find you
- One personalized coaching call to help you gain clarity regarding the path to reach your goals
Purchased separately, these items would cost $1,525. Enroll in the bundle now for $1,349 and save $176 while getting a head start on certification.
Option 3 >> Core Fundamentals
This training is designed for people who have access to horses and who want to be able to say they are NL trained. If you are interested in expanding your journey to healthy connections in the future, completing this training can be applied towards certification requirements.
Option 4 >> Foundational Fundamentals
A solid introduction to NL if you’re brand new or simply want a refresher—and you’re not currently pursuing certification.
This option does not count toward certification unless you add the Fundamentals Practicum (additional cost). It’s best suited for those without access to a horse, who are not seeking certification, and who prefer to do their experiential work entirely in person later on.
If your goal is to grow your skills, confidence, and connection as quickly and deeply as possible, we strongly recommend choosing the Jumpstart plus LIVE or the Jumpstart bundle instead.
There are THREE ways to complete the experiential work required for those seeking certification or wishing to claim that they are NL trained.
At Home Experience
(Requires a horse)
Complete two video assignments and receive feedback and guidance from seasoned NL trainers. Sign up for Core, Jumpstart, or Jumpstart + LIVE
(Additional cost)
Attend one of many in-person practicums throughout the U.S. and practice with real-time guided feedback from NL trainers. Sign up for Foundations + Fundamentals Practicum
At Home & In-Person Experience
(Additional cost)
NOT required for certification and available to those who wish to dive deep and get all the experience possible! Sign up for Core, Jumpstart or Jumpstart+LIVE and add the Fundamentals Practicum.
Sign up for Foundations and add on a Fundamentals Practicum voucher during the checkout process if you want to pay the discounted price now and choose the practicum later.
In-Person Fundamentals Practicums
The Fundamentals Practicum is an unforgettable training experience that allows you to expand your abilities through hands-on work with horses utilizing the Natural Lifemanship principles.
You will work directly with seasoned NL professionals, who will provide in the moment feedback and guidance—to ensure you feel confident in your work.
We are currently offering the following Fundamentals Practicums through the fall that are hosted at our partner sites scattered throughout the country. Be on the lookout for 2026 offerings as well—your vouchers are valid for any upcoming training, including those in 2026.
When you add-on the optional Fundamentals Practicum Voucher during the registration period, you will SAVE $50.
This brings the price down to $649! Simply choose either the Foundations, Core, Jumpstart, or Jumpstart + LIVE option, view your cart, and add the Fundamentals Practicum Voucher to your cart before checkout. You will receive a $50 discount off your entire purchase and will be sent a coupon so you can sign up for the practicum of your choosing at a later date.
Upcoming Fundamentals Practicums
Enhance your Fundamentals of Natural Lifemanship training with our in-person Practicums.
October 3-4, 2025
Natural Lifemanship Headquarters Brenham, TX
Pre-requisites: Fundamentals of NL (any level) Trainers: Rebecca Hubbard & Reccia Jobe
Where does each option fit on my path to NL certification?
These are ONLY the trainings required for each “NL trained” level. Please note that NL certification has other requirements in addition to training.
Details
When: September 8 – November 7, 2025
Where: Online, structured, semi self-paced course – and now a LIVE virtual option as well!
Why: This training is the first step towards creating a world where connection and the value of healthy relationships is seen and felt in everything we do.
Not sure if this is right for you? Here’s what people are saying…
Robin Cruise
LCSW, Signal Mountain, TN
This isn’t just a professional training. It’s the opportunity to learn an entirely new way of being in the world and relating to others – people as well as horses. I can’t wait to continue the journey.
Peggy Zaloga
LCSW
The principles in this training deepened my work with telehealth clients even before I’ve begun using it with equines and clients in person. Learning more about forming real connection and the similarities between horses’ and humans’ brains was both mind-blowing and affirming.
Debora Brown-Cumpton
LCSW, CADC
Fundamentals opened my eyes to the importance of connection within myself and with others. I think of the famous saying “Know Thyself” and appreciate the simplicity and yet profoundness of this statement. As a therapist, I realized there were still unconnected parts within myself that were stored away, wrapped in a package and tied with a neat bow. This training has allowed a safe space to retrieve these packages and view them through a new lens; a lens of grace, patience and hope; and to know that when I dare to go deeper in connection with myself, I can reach deeper connectedness in a therapeutic relationship with my clients. Thank you, NL.
This training awards NBCC credit hours upon successful completion. View or download program information, including how to earn CE credits for this training, here.
What Will I Learn?
Please note: While the LIVE version will cover the weekly topics listed below (and then some), the order will be slightly different. The LIVE instruction format allows instructors to meet students where they are and spend more time where needed so it offers flexibility built into the schedule.
Week 0
Attend the orientation and get set up in the course and community
Week 1
- Introduction
- Origins of Natural Lifemanship
- Our paradigm
- Trauma and brain development (Session 1 of 2)
- Q&A
- Building connection through attachment
- Connection in the face of resistance
- When two cultures collide
- Office hours (optional)
Week 2
- Trauma and brain development (Session 2 of 2)
- Building connection through detachment
- Attachment and detachment in your sessions
- Spiritual intimacy grows with connection through detachment (optional)
- But I miss the caterpillar (optional)
- Animal welfare issues are clinical issues
- Difference between setting boundaries and having boundaries
- Preparing for your practical assignment
- Office hours (optional)
Week 3
- Bottom up regulation
- Connecting with your body
- Ways to increase pressure and body energy
- The use of tools
- Case Studies on the use of tools
- This too shall pass
- Assignment: Submit video #1
- Office hours (optional)
Week 4
- NL is Secure Attachment in Action
- “What does that mean?” An Empathetic Approach to Observing Horse Behavior
- Haltering with connection
- What if the horse doesn’t consent to the session
- Horse arousal continuum
- Office hours (optional)
Week 5
- Why Horses? The answer to this question is EVERYTHING!
- Support versus rescue
- What does it really mean to do attachment work?
- Office hours (optional)
Week 6
- Preparing for your practical assignment follow up video
- Preparing Horse and Client for (mounted) Trauma Processing
- Why do we Ride Horses in Trauma Focused Equine Assisted Psychotherapy?
- Office hours (optional)
Week 7
- Trauma Informed Care is for Everyone
- Role of the EP in Natural Lifemanship therapy sessions
- Ethics specific to this work
- Qualified to counsel
- Office hours (optional)
Week 8
- Three Group Consultation Recordings: Compelling Case Studies
- Submit your final video by the end of week 8 and receive feedback by the end of week 10
Week 9
Wrap-up assignments, complete the course evaluation, and finish the course
Bettina Shultz-Jobe
Natural Lifemanship CEO and Founder, Licensed Professional Counselor. Over 20 years experience partnering horses and humans to bring about healing, transformation, and growth. Extensive training and experience in a variety of therapeutic modalities and a passion for how horses make them all better!
Tim Jobe
Natural Lifemanship CEO and Founder, Equine Professional. Over 50 years of (professional) experience building relationships with horses. 35 years of experience partnering horses with humans to promote healing and healthy relationships.
Tanner Jobe
Works with mental health and equine professionals who are learning how to effectively utilize the Natural Lifemanship model in their practices. Has a lifetime of experience working with horses under the guidance of his father, Tim Jobe, and is passionate about sharing his experience and expertise with horses.
Kate Naylor
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Natural Lifemanship Certified. Studied under Tim and Bettina beginning in 2014, Teaching with NL since 2016. Former school teacher, with training in a variety of relational and experiential therapeutic modalities as well as a strong horse background.
FAQ
Can I take the Fundamentals training LIVE?
Yes. We now offer an optional LIVE add-on for those who want more real-time interaction and guidance. The LIVE version includes scheduled weekly sessions with your instructors, allowing you to ask questions, receive feedback, and connect with other learners in the moment. This add-on is available for an additional $999. Choose the LIVE option by selecting Jumpstart + LIVE.
How does the LIVE version work and what are the meeting dates?
If you choose the LIVE add-on, you’ll attend a series of real-time sessions via Zoom on set dates. These sessions are designed to replace the video lessons in Jumpstart, give you direct access to your trainers, and allow for in-the-moment discussion and coaching. You’ll still have access to all pre-recorded videos as bonus content, up to 3 months after the close of the course. NL members have access to the course content for the life of their membership.
The LIVE training dates are as follows:
| Mtg # | Day | Date | Time |
| 1 | Mon | Sept 15 | 3-5pm |
| 2 | Wed | Sept 24 | 3-5pm |
| 3 | Mon | Sept 29 | 3-5pm |
| 4 | Wed | Oct 1 | 3-5pm |
| 5 | Mon | Oct 13 | 3-5pm |
| 6 | Wed | Oct 15 | 3-5pm |
| 7 | Mon | Oct 20 | 3-5pm |
| 8 | Wed | Oct 22 | 3-5pm |
| 9 | Mon | Oct 27 | 3-5pm |
| 10 | Wed | Oct 29 | 3-5pm |
| 11 | Mon | Nov 3 | 3-5pm |
| 12 | Wed | Nov 5 | 3-5pm |
| 13 | Mon | Nov 17 | 3-5pm |
| 14 | Wed | Nov 19 | 3-5pm |
| 15 | Mon | Dec 1 | 3-5pm |
| 16 | Wed | Dec 3 | 3-5pm |
How many meetings will you need to attend?
If you are taking Foundations, Core or Jumpstart without the LIVE component, there are no meetings to attend in real-time. We hold voluntary Office Hours that are live on zoom, but all other coursework and resources are available on demand.
If you choose Jumpstart + LIVE add-on, there are 16 live meetings you will need to attend. While you would ideally attend every meeting in real time, we understand life happens and allow for no more than 3 meetings to be missed. Missed meetings must be made up by watching the meeting recording and completing an assignment.
If you select the Core, Jumpstart or LIVE add-on option, you’ll set up Zoom calls with your instructors to go over your video assignments. This will be scheduled at a mutually agreeable time within a set time-frame relative to when each assignment is due.
How manageable is the coursework?
We are committed to providing you with an accessible and convenient training experience. Virtual learnings are cutting-edge training opportunities that are simple and concise, even for first-timers.
The online class setting is designed for easy navigation through a click, watch and response technique after each video. You will upload your practice videos using sources like YouTube or Google Drive and then paste the link to your video in the online classroom forum.
This course is semi-self paced. What that means is we provide weekly assignments and final deadlines and you set the pace from there.
Technical support is available for those moments when you need a bit more guidance.
What if I just want to take the Fundamentals Practicum?
Our NL training programs are strategically designed to equip you for success. So that you can effectively implement your training for the purpose of supporting others on their healing journeys.
Therefore, we require that all of our students who wish to work with our horses in-person, and gain guidance from our professional trainers, have a solid foundation of the Natural Lifemanship principles by completing at minimum, the Foundations course.
I can't take videos of my clients. How will I complete this course?
We do not ask that you film your clients.
Given that the horse-human relationship is foundational to all we do, Core, Jumpstart and Jumpstart + LIVE Fundamentals participants set out to practice what they are learning with their own horses, just the two of them.
All students, including those who take the Foundations course, get to learn from each other’s feedback. The learning is rich!
I don’t do well in online classroom settings. Is there enough structure?
The journey through the Fundamentals training is a structured, semi self-paced course, with enough structure to help you get through the process at a flexible yet efficient rate accompanied by our personal support.
During this 8 week immersion of growth, you get to connect with horses, practice coursework, and spend time with trainers. We’ll be here to guide and support you while you learn how to support your own healing and the healing of others.
For those who want even more structure, interaction with instructors, and real-time guidance, we now offer a LIVE add-on to enhance your learning experience.
If I choose either the Core or Jumpstart options, am I required to take the Fundamentals Practicum?
No. The Fundamentals Practicum is ONLY required for those who choose the Foundations option AND want to earn a Level 1 Trained badge or pursue NL certification. It is optional for anyone who completes either the Foundations, Core or Jumpstart, or Jumpstart+LIVE and prefers to enhance their virtual training with an in-person experience.
What: Fundamentals of Natural Lifemanship
When: September 8 – November 7, 2025
Where: Online, structured, semi self-paced course – and now a LIVE virtual option as well!
Why: Natural Lifemanship is composed of people just like you, who want to make this world a better place —a world where connection and the value of healthy relationships is seen and felt in everything we do!
You are taking the first step towards a life-changing experience of continual growth with the help of horses. You will leave this virtual training inspired and ready to take your new-found knowledge out into the world.